Kalimantan Timur

Kalimantan Timur
(East Kalimantan)

Capital City

Samarinda

picture: wikipedia

East Kalimantan is the fourth largest province in Indonesia, after Papua, Central Kalimantan, and West Kalimantan. The province’s two key cities, Samarinda, the provincial capital, and Balikpapan, a vital hub for national and international maritime trade, play crucial roles in its economic and cultural landscape.

East Kalimantan is set to be the home of Indonesia's new capital city, IKN. Located just two hours from Samarinda via an expanding toll road, IKN will mark a new era of growth and innovation

Located at the very tip of East Kalimantan, Derawan Islands is a UNESCO-listed world heritage site, and is known for its natural charm. This island is a tourist destination that is quite well-known to local and foreign tourists, although it is not as famous as Bali.

The journey to Derawan Islands can be said to be quite challenging. Most visitors will fly to Tarakan city first before going to Derawan using a speedboat for 3-4 hours. However, the tiredness of the journey will be paid off after setting foot on this island and witnessing the beauty of it.

Derawan Islands

Derawan Islands consisted of at least 4 other famous islands, Maratua Island, Derawan, Sangalaki, and Kakaban home to the endangered wildlife, green turtles and hawksbill turtles. Not only that, some more other protected wildlife can be seen here, such as whales, dolphins, giant clams, coconut crabs, dugongs, barracudas, and several other species. While visiting Derawan islands, it would be a shame if you do not go snorkeling and enjoy the beauty of the coral reefs, stingless jellyfish, and other underwater ecosystems offered by the island.

Other than snorkelling, you are welcome to cycle around the island, witnessing the process of turtle egg hatching, seeing turtles lay eggs, and releasing hatchlings into the sea. And of course, enjoying the fresh seafood offered on this island.

Another natural wonder that can be found in East Kalimantan is Labuan Cermin, located not far from Derawan Islands in the Biduk-Biduk area, Biduk-Biduk, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan. In order to reach Labuan Cermin, you can first stop at Balikpapan, and take another flight to Berau Regency (it is advised to book a flight directly to Berau Regency so you don’t have to worry about your luggages). From Berau Regency, you may use a rental car and drive to Biduk for around 5-6 hours. Beware of the damaged roads that might make you car sick, and make sure to drive carefully.

The appeal of Labuan Cermin lies in the uniqueness of their water. Labuan Cermin features two types of water, freshwater and saltwater, that are both inhabited by different kinds of marine animals. This very clear and clean water consists of a layer of freshwater on top and saltwater beneath it. If you wish to see turtles and coral reefs, you may dive to the bottom of the lake, however, if you would like to stay above, you may see freshwater fishes swim around.

While visiting Labuan Cermin, you are allowed to rent a boat to go around the lake and enjoy the full experience of Labuan Cermin. If you want to dive inside the lake, you might need to bring your own gear such as snorkels, finns, and buoys.

picture: widya on pinterest

Labuan Cermin

Erau Ceremony

If you happen to be in Tenggarong, Kutai Kartanegara during the city’s anniversary on the 29th of September, then you are able to witness an important cultural ceremony for the Kutai tribe.
This tradition has been going for centuries (it was believed to start in the 12th century), along with the journey of The Sultanate of Kutai Kartanegara Ing Martadipura. The name “erau” came from Kutai Tenggarong Malay word “eroh” which means a merry party can also be interpreted as the people's party. During the kingdom period, Erau was a big celebration for The Kutai Sultanate and the people throughout his territory (most East Kalimantan area) for 40 days and 40 nights.

Now, Erau is a ceremony held by the people as a culture passed down from generation to generation, as well as an expression of their gratitude for the abundance of agricultural products obtained by the people of Kutai.

picture: kutaikartanegara.com

Sate Payau

A trip to East Kalimantan wouldn’t be complete without trying the famous Payau Satay from Kutai Kartanegara. Unlike most satay in Indonesia that is made out of chicken or beef, Payau Satay is made out of deer meat.

Nasi Bekepor

Another dish from Kutai Kartanegara is Nasi Bekepor, which was once only served to the kings of Kutai. This dish consisted of rice, vegetables, spices, and salted fish pieces, as well as Sambal Raja (traditional chili sauce). Side dishes of Nasi Bekepor consisted of Bumi Hangus meat (soy-braised beef), eggplant with Borneo Blood Onions, Jelawat fish, Gangan Asam Kukar cooked with fish head and sweet potato (Kutai's traditional sour vegetable dish), and Gence Ruan (traditional grilled fish).

picture: sate payau

Don't forget to try out some of the traditional dishes in East Kalimantan: